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Support Group Facilitator (in person or online)
By helping people suffering from an eating disorder and their families to discuss their feelings and concerns, you can help them to look towards a more positive future. If you are a caring and empathetic person who can help those attending to feel less isolated, more understood, cared for, listened to and supported we would value your contribution to our team.
We are a small but growing charity with big dreams and visions. Our aim is to offer in person and online groups in as many localities within Scotland as possible. Eating disorders are on the rise and we need a strong team of volunteers to help us support both the people who are suffering and their families.
We currently have in person groups in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Fife. However we are launching Perth and Dundee very soon so we need your help. We have online groups at various times throughout the week, meaning you could support us from wherever you live in Scotland.
We are a very supportive team and will provide all training and ongoing support and supervision. We meet quarterly as a volunteer team online and we host two in person events each year.
The role of the Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator is to ensure that everyone attending the group is aware of group guidelines and to create a safe space to enable group members to share their story.
Responsibilities
* Ensure all participants are aware of group guidelines and create a safe space for sharing.
* Encourage discussion between group members and interject only when necessary.
* Observe and report safeguarding concerns.
* Act as a time keeper and ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak.
* Assume leadership for both online and in‑person groups.
Qualifications
* Excellent listening and communication skills.
* Empathy and non‑judgemental support approach.
* Good knowledge of eating disorders and mental health needs.
* Recovered from an eating disorder for at least two years (if applicable).
* Comfortable using and setting up online meeting technology.
* Good time‑keeping and scheduling skills.
* Confidence navigating challenging topics and situations.
Benefits and support
* Part of a supportive, informal and friendly volunteer community.
* Foundation and ongoing training to develop facilitation skills and understanding of eating disorders.
* Regular support and supervision.
* Opportunities for other volunteering roles such as befriending and community ambassador.
* Wellbeing and in‑person events.
* Experience of Scotland's only eating disorder charity.
Restrictions
* Minimum age: 18
* Recovery from an eating disorder for a minimum of 2 years.
Travel expenses
All volunteers have a Google Drive with various forms, training, toolkits, templates, agreements and expense forms to utilise. Travel to and from groups will be paid.
Availability and commitment
Facilitation of at least one group per month for a 1‑year duration. Each session 1.5 hours: online sessions run in evenings for 1 hour, plus 15 minutes preparation and 15 minutes wrap‑up. In‑person volunteers arrive 30 minutes early and stay up to 30 minutes after.
Volunteers (aged 18‑25) are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
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